A bill that would create mandatory prison sentences for convictions of vehicular homicide cases involving drugs or alcohol unanimously passed a House committee on March 26.

Right now, it’s possible for those convicted of either killing or seriously injuring someone in an alcohol or drug-related accident to receive no more than probation. House Bill 1158, sponsored by Rep. Polly Lawrence, R-Douglas County, would require judges to sentence a defendant to at least the minimum prison term that is allowable by law, which is four years for a vehicular homicide case.

The bill passed the House Judiciary Committee and will receive further consideration in the Appropriations Committee.